Relationships for the Glory of God

Here is a principle in scripture that if we would just grasp it and trust God by faith, we would all be a happier and more secure people.
1 Corinthians 7:29-31 "But this I say, brethren, the time has been shortened, so that from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none; and those who weep, as though they did not weep; and those who rejoice, as though they did not rejoice; and those who buy, as though they did not possess; and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the form of this world is passing away."
Colossians 3:2 "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."

Do you live in light of eternity? This world, especially our culture, is absorbed in an "American Dream." They are living for materialism and for each other. God gives the blessing of human relationships but they are only able to be a blessing when the LORD Jesus Christ is sitting on the throne, in REALITY, in your life. You may think in your mind, "Yes, the Lord is on the throne." But is that the reality? As the time is short that we have on earth and the Lord's return is near, has the enemy deceived you and robbed you of labor in prayer, sharing with the lost and discipling others because you have become consumed with making life for yourself here on earth? Have you considered the people that God has placed in your life as people to minister to? Do you seek to get your needs met by them? You will only waste years of your life and expend energy trying real hard only to learn and realize God never created them to meet your needs. This verse in 1 Corinthians may seem radical to you, but let me suggest it to be more logical, practical and wise above being radical. By obeying this verse by faith and using your emotions and energies for the things of the kingdom of God, things that will not fade away, you will remove vast amounts of disappointment, sorrow and tension in your human relationships. Please do not misunderstand and take this out of context...what you sow into a relationship is what you will reap. Your relationships are to be a testimony and witness to the lost world around you. But do not believe the preaching of the world that you have to live like they do. You do not HAVE to be materialistic. You do not HAVE to experience all the joys this world has to offer. The world is living like this because they are seeking what we already have! They are searching for what we have found! Allow this teaching in scripture to FREE you and FREE your friends and loved ones. When conflict or trials come in a friendship allow it to deepen the friendship. God puts us in situations in relationships so we can learn how to live out our Christian faith. The deepest being that of a relationship with a spouse. How wonderfully sanctifying! How beautiful the process can be. When Billy and I were engaged, God very persistently gave us Matthew 6:33, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." God gives us what we need. He will not allow people and things to satisfy because God is into reality. Do not believe and illusion that we live this out perfectly, but by God's grace alone it is our goal. God alone can meet our needs and in His goodness He does not allow the things of this world to give us satisfaction to our soul. We have the choice to test God in seeking these things to satisfy, but we will be choosing to learn the hard way. Love others and put them before yourself. JESUS IS COMING! The time is short and He is returning soon! Are you ready?????

Number 4

Practically, how do you "yield fruit" in a difficult season?
Number 4,
4. Continue to be in fellowship
Hebrews 10:25 "not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near."
You will be in a pit of discouragement and depression if you are not meeting regularly for fellowship with your brothers and sisters!
1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 "Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more,"
There is more love to excel in! We need to love each other more and more. This happens when we get together!

1 Corinthians 12:7 "Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it."
We need each other. This is how God made it. We were created to function all together as one. If you are separated from this...you will not be very fruitful!

Proverbs 27:17 "Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
Proverbs 11:25 NIV "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."
We are dependant upon one another to be sharpened in the Lord. Don't be deceived by thinking you don't need to be sharpened by anyone!
When you put yourself out there to seek to refresh others...God will refresh you!

Number 1

Practically, how do you still "yield fruit" in a difficult season in life? Okay, number 1...
1. Continue to build up the Kingdom of God
Matthew 6:33 "But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you."
Be building up the body of believers...the spiritual building...pouring yourself into the lives of others. Remember...you are not alone! Every time you think about or talk to someone...remember they go through hard times! We are all "going through stuff." If we all seek to build each other up and encourage each other...how glorious! Needs will be met.
Hebrews 10:25 "not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near."
1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you are also doing."